Jakarta. Indonesia has launched a shipment of frozen durian exports worth Rp 42.5 billion (around $2.5 million) to China, responding to strong demand for the famously pungent yet sweet fruit.

In 2025, China approved the import protocol allowing Indonesian frozen durian to enter its market directly. Earlier this week, the National Quarantine Agency (Barantin) and the government of Central Sulawesi officially dispatched 459 tons of frozen durian from Palu, according to state news agency Antara.

To date, Indonesia has exported at least 151 containers of durian valued at approximately Rp 377.5 billion (around $22 million). Previously, Indonesian durian exports had to transit through third countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia before reaching China.

Direct shipments to China have reduced logistics time from 56 days to between 22 and 26 days, while distribution costs have been cut by as much as half.

“Direct exports to China not only reduce logistics costs but also create significant profit opportunities, as durian prices there are five to seven times higher than domestic prices,” Central Sulawesi quarantine head Alfian said.

Central Sulawesi is home to several frozen durian packing facilities that already meet export standards. According to regional government data, the province has around 3.7 million durian trees, with output reaching 95,140 tons in 2025. Production is concentrated in several regencies and cities, particularly Poso and Parigi Moutong.

China’s durian demand is estimated at $8 billion annually, presenting a major growth opportunity for Indonesian exporters. Government data also showed Indonesia’s total exports to mainland China reached $67 billion in 2025, and had already climbed to $10.7 billion in the first two months of 2026.